the right smile

Educating Patients on their Oral Health Options

Tag Archives: Tooth


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Dental Cleanings Sandy Springs

Mature woman smilingProfessional teeth cleanings performed by a certified dental hygienist are the foundation to maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing future gum disease and tooth decay.   Actively preventing periodontal disease and tooth decay starts at home, augmented with regular dental cleanings and oral exams, you should be able to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

In a professional dental cleaning, our hygienist will:

  • Remove plaque and tarter from the teeth and gum line
  • Remove calculus below the gum line with procedures that can only be performed by professional and may even require anti-biotics
  • Remove stains and polish your teeth
  • Administer x-rays where and when necessary
  • Check for signs of oral cancer

Our practice offers preventive care that includes comprehensive cleaning, fluoride treatment, sealants, oral examinations and periodontal treatments that help you maintain your smile’s health and beauty. Brushing your teeth twice-daily and regular flossing at least once a day are necessary for maintenance between office visits, but a healthy mouth and beautiful smile can only be achieved with routine general and preventive care by a dentist.

The added advantage of a multi-specialty practice is our in-house periodontist.  So if you have an issue that exceeds the ability or training of our hygienists, you can still be examined and treated in our office.  If we can be of service please contact us for a complementary consult with one our team.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Brookhaven: Need to know about Dental Implants

dental-implants2Many people are unaware of the consequences of losing their teeth or the effects of wearing partial or full dentures on their jaw bones. When teeth are lost, the surrounding bone immediately begins to atrophy. Implant replacement therapy is the optimal treatment plan. Here are some important facts to take into consideration.

  • Wearing dentures accelerates bone loss. it is possible to watch and wait for bone to disappear to the point where treatment success of any kind becomes doubtful.  Implant-supported dentures have 95% success rates over 10 years without the severe loss of supporting bone.
  • At the end of a five-year period, only 40% of patients are still wearing the original partial denture made for them. This is not a great testimonial for value and utility.
  • Of those patients who wear a partial denture, 50% chew better without it.
  • One study showed that after 8 years, 40% of the supporting abutments the partial hooks onto were lost through tooth decay or fracture.
  • Patients with natural teeth can bite with about 200 pounds of force. Denture wearers can bite with approximately 50 pounds of force. Those wearing dentures for 15 years or more can bite with only about 6 pounds of force, which results in their diet being modified.
  • Denture wearers have decreased nutritional intake, a ten year shorter life span, and 30% of denture wearers can only eat soft foods.
  • The single tooth implant success rate is above 98%, and unlike a bridge, the teeth adjacent to the implant are no more at risk than if was never lost.

For bone maintenance, the health of adjacent teeth, the longevity of the restoration and patient comfort, implant therapy is the treatment of choice. Implants can restore chewing function to the equivalent of someone with natural teeth. If you have questions or want to know if you are a good candidate for implant tooth replacement therapy, please contact us.  We have in-house implant placement by Dr. Will Zinney and restorations by Drs. Scheinfeld, Tourial and Lubell.

Novy Scheinfeld DDS PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
(404) 256-3620
info@rightsmilecenter.com
www.rightsmilecenter.com

 

Thank you for all your referrals.  We truly appreciate them.

Information included is not dental or medical advice.  For your specific information

 be sure to consult your dentist.

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Dentist Alpharetta: How much does it cost to have a tooth extracted?

tooth extractionThe cost of a simple tooth extraction can range anywhere from $95 to $250 depending on whether the procedure is being performed by a dentist or specialists known as periodontists or an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.  If the tooth is broken at the gum line, it will be considered a ‘surgical extraction’ and usually costs $150 to $300.  Extracting a wisdom tooth, which is usually done by an oral surgeon, can cost anywhere between $150 and $350, but if it’s a partially or completely impacted wisdom tooth then the cost could climb as high as $650.

The cost of the tooth extraction can be higher; for example, if the tooth disintegrates, it can take the dentist a while to get all of it out and the dentist may charge you extra if that happens.  Each patient and each tooth is unique.  It can be cookie cutter, but it doesn’t have to be.  The bottom line is the harder the tooth is to get out, the more it costs, hence the range.

For a soft tissue surgical extraction of a partially impacted tooth, an incision usually has to be made into the gums and once again the cost will increase to about $200 -$350; and for a partial bony extraction (the tooth has some bone covering it) expect to pay anywhere from $300 -$600.

The above fees often include a follow-up office visit to check healing or to remove sutures.  What should also be included is the understanding that a tooth is firmly encased in a bony socket and attached by a ligament.  The socket needs to be gently widened to allow the tooth to be removed; patients will feel pressure but not pain during this procedure. Sometimes a tooth is so firmly anchored that is has to be removed in sections.

Additional related fees, particularly with an oral surgeon may include an initial surgical consultation ($50 – $135), x-rays ($13 – $135) and sedation ($200 – $400 or more) if required.  Many dental insurance plans cover 70 percent to 80 percent of tooth extraction costs if the procedure is considered to be medically necessary and not done just for cosmetic reasons.

Typically, dental insurance permits only about $1,000 per year coverage so if there are other teeth needing to be extracted then the cost can escalate above the annual limit.  Because of the limited coverage that dental insurance provides, most people have come to realize that they don’t have much protection from the high cost of dental care with dental insurance alone.

Our goal is to help you understand a procedure which may vary depending on the circumstances surrounding the tooth being pulled.  If you have additional questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact our office or email us.  Consultations are always welcome and many times these procedures are accomplished in-house.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Dentist Sandy Springs: Dental Implant benefits

mature womanDental Implants provide life changing benefits:

  1. They look and feel like your own teeth.
  2. They’re a comfortable and maintained like your natural teeth.
  3. You can eat your favorite foods and chew without fear.
  4. Renewed ability to speak properly
  5. Restoration of facial aesthetics
  6. Preservation of remaining jaw bone structure
  7. Cavity free
  8. Increased confidence and self-esteem
  9. They are an affordable, permanent solution that can last a lifetime.

Dental implants look and perform like real teeth. You can chew and eat like normal.  A tooth needs a root to hold it in place, and that’s precisely what a dental implant does.  You keep your dental implants clean using a toothbrush and floss, just like you would your natural teeth.  And  with proper care, dental implants will last a lifetime.  Dental implants give you a second chance at a natural smile – the right smile.

 

When searching online for pricing, you may notice that Dental Implants are often advertised below $1,000. Don’t be fooled into believing that your treatment will cost that much, because the truth is the restoration portion of the treatment probably isn’t factored into the total price, which in most cases is half the cost.  Plus you don’t know who manufactures your implant.

Dental implants are the best permanent way to help you get your smile back, along with your confidence. The best part is no one will know they’re implants unless you tell them.

Find out if you are a candidate for dental implants.  Call or email us now for a complimentary consult.  We have in-house placement and restoration by our periodontic and prosthodontic experts.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

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Sandy Springs Periodontist: Dentures Flapping in the wind?

implants-denturesDental implants provide real options for those who have suffered tooth loss.  In the old days you could have a set of slicks [dentures] made but you just didn’t get what you needed out of them to feel comfortable smiling or eating.  On top of that, you lost bone in both upper and lower facial skeletons.  Today the loss of teeth provides you with real options to eat normal and smile with confidence, and as an added bonus, you can get rid of that glass of dentures on the nightstand.  For those who are missing teeth, both upper and lower, the research shows the least expensive option of dentures is not be the best.  Gum retained dentures are like walking around with crutches.  The side effect of bone loss and other complications down the road play a significant factor in why your dentist may recommend either dental implants or implant retained dentures.

Eating becomes difficult with a denture that slips and shifts against the gums. Uncomfortable rubbing occurs and many people resort to a diet of soft foods that dissolve easily in the mouth. Denture adhesives and pastes only help for brief periods but have to be frequently reapplied.  Most adults are selecting dental implants for tooth replacement.  Dental implants recreate the presence of tooth roots in the jaw bone, reducing if not preventing bone loss.   Implant retained dentures carefully crafted by a prosthodontist may be the best option for some patients.  They provide dependable biting and chewing stability and are designed to last a lifetime[1].

When thinking of a dental implant, consider that it is acting a natural tooth root for the missing tooth. If we can be of assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us – The Right Smile Center, and talk to our specialists:

William Zinney, DDS – for your implant placement.

Scheinfeld, Tourial and Lubell – for your implant restoration.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

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[1] With proper care.


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Roswell Dentist: Dental Implants are….

Your Natural Choice in Tooth Replacement.

 implant4

Whenever a tooth is lost, if the bone structure will allow, it should be replaced with an implant.  Failure to replace the tooth with an implant will ultimately contribute to the loss of facial bone structure.  Dental implants are artificial tooth roots, which represent an alternative to dentures or bridgework.  The advantages vary from patient to patient and type of restoration but in addition to retained bone structure there may be improved chewing ability, better speech, a more secure fit of the restoration, greater comfort, and improved self-esteem.

The implant itself is made from Titanium and is surgically implanted in the jawbone to function in a similar way to a natural tooth root.  Depending on the individuals varying biological characteristics, it may be necessary for the implant to heal in the jawbone for a period of 3 to 6 months, which allows your bone to grow onto the implant in a process called Osseo-integration.

Once integrated, the implant is then exposed from the gum tissue, and a restoration consisting of one or more replacement teeth, is fabricated by the prosthodontist to fit on top of the implants.  In other cases it is possible to fit the teeth to the implants soon after implant placement, called immediate loading implants.

The restoration can be attached in several ways:

 

  • Removable structure, using special bars and clips.

  • Fixed or screw retained, using special screws and cement so that only your dentist can remove it, if necessary.

In the case of dentures, an implant-supported overdenture fits more securely than a conventional denture which rests on the gum tissue and offers no form of mechanical attachment.  The difference is the implants participate integrally in retaining bone structure in the jaw line.

Where a single tooth is lost, adjacent healthy teeth can often remain intact and unaffected by an implant-supported restoration.  This is unlike conventional bridgework where healthy teeth are structurally altered to support the bridge.

Implants are usually placed under local anesthesia in the periodontist’s or oral surgeon’s office.  The procedure involved in placing the implants is generally not painful and usually requires minimal recovery time and post-operative medication.

Only your dentist can tell whether you’re a candidate for dental implants.  Certain health conditions (like uncontrolled diabetes) or risk factors (like smoking) may preclude your ability to undergo implant therapy.  In addition, appropriate hygiene must be established prior to implant therapy and must be maintained to ensure the long-term success of the implant.  As part of a growing trend, we are now placing implants in our office.  If we can be of assistance or answer any of your concerns or questions please feel free to contact our office.

 

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

 

 


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Sandy Springs Periodontist: Considering Dental Implants?

Important Facts to Help Make Your Decision

implants-denturesMany people are unaware of the consequences of losing their teeth or the effects of wearing partial or full dentures upon their jaws and bones. When teeth are lost, the surrounding bone immediately begins to shrink [atrophy].  Implant treatment, for tooth replacement therapy, can be the optimal treatment plan. Here are some important facts to take into consideration.

• Wearing dentures accelerates bone loss, and old dentures become loose because of resulting bone loss. It is possible to watch and wait for bone to disappear to the point where treatment success of any kind is doubtful.

• At the end of a five-year period, only 40% are still wearing the original partial denture made for them. This is not a great testimonial to value and utility. Those lucky enough to have a functioning partial denture after 5 years are still losing valuable supporting bone.

• Of those patients who wear a partial denture, 50% chew better without it.

• One study showed that after 8 years, 40% of the supporting teeth [abutments] that the partial hooks onto were lost through tooth decay or fracture.

• Patients with natural teeth can bite with about 200 pounds of force. Denture wearers can bite with approximately 50 pounds of force. Those wearing dentures for 15 years or more can bite with only about 6 pounds of force, and their diet and eating habits have had to be modified accordingly.

• The average lower full denture shifts from side to side during chewing and is a significant problem that new denture wearers must get use to and accept.

• Denture wearers have decreased nutritional intake, a ten year shorter life span, and 30% of denture wearers can only eat soft foods.

• The single tooth implant success rate is above 98%, and unlike a bridge, the teeth adjacent to the implant are no more at risk than if no teeth were missing.

• Implant-supported bridges or dentures have 95% success rates over 10 years without the severe loss of supporting bone.

For bone maintenance, the health of adjacent teeth, the longevity of the restoration and patient comfort, implant therapy is the treatment of choice. Implants can restore chewing function to the equivalent of someone with natural teeth. If you have questions or want to know if you are a good candidate for implant tooth replacement therapy, please call my new office in Sandy Springs.

William Zinney, DDS

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Warning signs of Periodontal Disease : Sandy Springs Periodontist

Hygiene examThe following are warning signs of periodontal disease:

  • Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away
  • Red or swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Loose teeth
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
  • Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
  • Any change in the fit of partial dentures

When you begin to notice these signs call and see your dentist.  Whether your gum disease is stopped, slowed, or gets worse depends a great deal on how well you care for your teeth and gums every day, from this point forward.

When considering any extensive dental or medical treatment options, you should think about getting second opinion.  If we can be of assistance, please call for a free consultation.

William Zinney, DDS

Emory Trained Periodontist

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

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The Right Smile Center…Sandy Springs’ Dentists

GMOMOUR TEAM – Scheinfeld, Tourial, Lubell and Zinney

The Right Smile Center is committed to employing the most talented professionals dedicated to excellence. We believe that our associates and staff are our greatest investment. The efficiency and happiness of our entire staff is greatly valued and we consider the office to be an extension of our family. We are proud to offer you a highly skilled professional team. From our experienced Front Desk personnel to our Dental Assistants and Certified Hygienists, our team cares about the quality of service we are providing. Our beautifully appointed office, extensive range of amenities, cutting edge technology and warm, friendly staff combine to provide an ideal environment for a dental experience that is simply unsurpassed.

If we can be of service to you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.  We look forward to serving you.  It’s our passion.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

http://www.rightsmilecenter.com

info@rightsmilecenter.com

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Sandy Springs Dental Cleanings – What to Expect

Hygiene examA dental cleaning is a fairly routine procedure that should not be painful. However, the patients who have not had their teeth cleaned in a long time may experience a longer cleaning, with some extra pulling and scraping to remove plaque from teeth.  Patients don’t need pain medication for a dental cleaning.[1]  But there is the exception to the rule and some patients are so nervous about coming to the dentists that they request nitrous oxide.  In some extreme cases of anxiety, some dentists use a method known as sleep dentistry, where a patient is medicated to the point that they sleep through the entire procedure.

Most dental cleanings take between 30 minutes and an hour.  If the cleaning is part of a yearly check-up, the hygienist may take X-rays to check for cavities and any other changes in the bone structure.  The dentist will normally perform the last look, and perhaps perform some difficult plaque removal toward the end of the cleaning, evaluate the gums for gum disease, as well as examine for oral cancers.

During the procedure the hygienists will use several tools, including a scaler and tooth polisher. Tooth polishers buff teeth and eliminate tiny pieces of plaque. Scalers look like metal hooks and are used to remove hard plaque formed around and between teeth. Some people find the use of a scaler uncomfortable, depending on their sensitivity level, pain threshold, the length of time since the last cleaning, and the extent of plaque build-up. Tooth polishers buff teeth and eliminate tiny pieces of plaque. Hygienist may also employ a device that shoots water into the mouth, so the person can rinse out plaque several times during the cleaning.  In addition, hygienists utilize a type of sand blaster to remove stains that have formed on the tooth surface.  Last, the hygienist will periodically record ‘pockets’ adjacent to the tooth to determine at what point along the root the gum tissue is attached.

Dental cleanings often conclude with advice about how to care for teeth at home, and scheduling any appointments needed for more extensive services, like filling cavities. People with busy dentists should schedule their next cleanings well in advance, so as to keep regular six-month cleaning appointments.  Patients should also expect the dentist to inquire about their home brushing and flossing activities. If a patient (thinks he/she) is regularly caring for their teeth at home, and plaque build-up is still significant, the patient may need to have more frequent cleanings.[2]

If we can be of assistance or answer your additional questions please feel free to contact us.

Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC

290 Carpenter Drive, 200A

Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328

404-256-3620

info@rightsmilecenter.com

www.rightsmilecenter.com

[1] Anyone with a heart condition or who has undergone heart surgery should let the dentist know prior to the day of the teeth cleaning. People with heart problems or heart defects are at high risk for developing a condition called bacterial endocarditis, which can seriously affect the heart. The only treatment needed prior to a dental cleaning, unless otherwise instructed, is a dose of antibiotics an hour before the cleaning. If a dentist does not know the proper dosage, then the person should contact his or her physician. Usually dentists will know the dosage, but if in doubt, it’s also possible to find information from the American Heart Association, which lists all guidelines for bacterial endocarditis prevention.

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